Budget-friendly hotels

Hotels in Hollywood and West Hollywood

Andaz West Hollywood

Oh, if these walls could talk. You wouldn't know it today, but this snazzy hotel from the Hyatt chain was once the hardest partying spot on the Sunset Strip. Known then as the Hyatt House, it was the place where rock royalty boozed all night long and, as legend has it, where Keith Richards (the Rolling Stones) and Keith Moon (the Who) once threw a TV set off the balcony. But just as aging rock stars trade Jack Daniels for juice cleanses (and nips and tucks), the hotel formerly dubbed "Hyatt Riot" and "Riot House" underwent a $48-million makeover in 2009 to emerge as the sleek boutique Andaz West Hollywood. The 239-room hotel sits in the center of the Sunset Strip’s nightlife scene and pays homage to its history with decorative touches (contemporary art and vintage images of its famous guests) throughout the modern-designed rooms and lobby. The sunny lobby restaurant RH features a seasonal menu of California-French cuisine. There are no shenanigans here. There is, however, a show-stopper of a rooftop sundeck, offering the highest vantage point in the area, with sweeping views of the city. It's the perfect perch from which to sip on grown-up cocktails and gaze at the next generation of rockers partying on the Strip.

London West Hollywood

Formerly the Bel Age, this hotel reopened in spring 2008 following a total makeover by design guru David Collins. All 200 rooms are generous suites, featuring subtle sage and tan palettes, Italian linens and luxurious white bathrooms. Each has a private deck or a balcony with decent views; for truly extraordinary panoramic vistas, especially at dusk, head upwards to the rooftop pool deck. The off-Sunset location makes it popular with leisure-seekers, who'll also be lured by the new spa; businessfolk enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and free telephone calls to London. Even without the bonus of a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, this place would be a knockout.

Hollywood Roosevelt

After a 2003 restoration by designer Dodd Mitchell, this 1927 landmark, a beautiful example of Spanish colonial design, once more welcomed the A-listers who frequented it during Hollywood's heyday. The hotel is at its most dramatic downstairs: in the Dakota steakhouse, at the discreet Library Bar, and around the pool, which boasts a restored underwater mural by David Hockney and an often-buzzing bar scene at the poolside lounge. The rooms are sleek, dark and, in places, showing a few signs of wear and tear. Look out for the occasional subtly placed photographic nod to the starry location.

Mondrian

Built as an apartment block in the 1950s, this tower was converted into a hotel by businessman Ian Schrager and designer Philippe Starck in the mid '90s, and immediately became the hottest spot in the city. It still carries a certain amount of star quality, despite several recent changes, not least a redesign by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz (who sensitively enhanced Starck's original design rather than do away with it entirely). Funky additions to the rooms include combined mirror/TV showpieces and sustainable bamboo flooring. Elsewhere in the hotel, Skybar still draws a starry crowd and the Agua Spa is sweet, if petite.

Hotels in Downtown LA

Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles

One of the most anticipated openings of 2014, Ace Hotel's new DTLA digs are helping to turn the tide on the Broadway theater district. Housed in the former United Artists building, the hotel pays homage to LA's essence—a seamless harmony of California minimalism and downtown LA's signature art deco style. Plus, the historic United Artists Theatre was restored, and it's now available for events of all kinds. Inside, the hotel has exposed concrete galore with sleek fixtures and furniture, plus a bar and restaurant that are destination enough for locals. Guests stay in thoughtfully designed rooms with plenty of amenities, plus a state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop pool and lounge, and more.

Millennium Biltmore

Built in 1923, the Biltmore retains the Italian-Spanish renaissance elegance that once enticed such dignitaries as Winston Churchill and JFK. The ground level is striking, one gorgeous room after another peeling off the exquisite lobby; a number of them, such as the Crystal Ballroom and the Gold Room, are available only for private hire, but if there's no event being staged and you ask nicely at reception, someone will show you around. Next to such extravagance, the rooms can hardly compete, but they're comfortable in an old-fashioned way.

Omni Los Angeles

Located close to Downtown's growing cultural district, the Omni offers theater and concert packages for those wanting to come here and catch a show or attend a party. However, this is chiefly a business hotel, and an efficient one. Decorated in slightly gloomy shades of taupe and olive, the bedrooms are comfortable; 'club level' guests get butler service, free breakfasts and cocktails. Other amenities include a smallish pool and a largish exercise room.

Standard Downtown

The Downtown version of the Sunset Strip shag pad pokes fun at jet-setting '60s bachelors, with the lobby setting the swinger-style tone. Rooms come equipped with platform beds, tubs for two and peek-a-boo showers. Complete with DJs, vibrating waterbeds and views, the rooftop pool bar can be a tough ticket on weekends for non-guests; you'd do as well to hang out in the ground-level bar.

Hotel Figueroa

This striking hotel is a dramatic mix of Morocco and Mexico, and oozes the kind of charisma boutique hotel designers so often fail to achieve. Built in 1925 as a YWCA, the Figueroa is now more exotic, but it's still an absolute bargain. The hotel's airy lobby is a potpourri of Moroccan chandeliers, huge cacti and woven rugs; toward the back, there's a low-key bar and a lovely pool area that's at its atmospheric best after dark. The rooms, which vary in size, are done out in funky casbah chic with Mexican-tiled bathrooms. Amenities are few and far between, but they're not really the point.

Hotels in Santa Monica

Hotels

Casa del Mar

Located on the sand, close to Santa Monica's shops and restaurants, this elegant and architecturally significant hotel is a local landmark. Most of the plush rooms and suites offer ocean and coastline views; for a really opulent stay, reserve one of the two-story penthouse suites or the super-deluxe presidential suite. An afternoon at the spa is a vacation in itself; salon services can be enjoyed in one of five Mediterranean-style treatment rooms or, better yet, under a cabana on the fifth-floor pool deck. The bar in the ornate and well-furnished lobby is a popular meeting spot for the bronzed and beautiful locals.

Fairmont Miramar

The Miramar has been pampering the glamorous and the powerful in California for nearly a century: past guests have included everyone from Greta Garbo to Bill Clinton. Built in 1924, the hotel has undergone several tasteful renovations; the most recent encompassed a remodel of the lobby and the Grille. Families clamor for the 32 bungalows with private patios surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, the other guest rooms boast ocean and city views. FIG bistro gets rave reviews for its seasonal cuisine, while Exhale Spa focuses on mind-body treatments.

Hotel California

This jaunty motel offers its guests a different type of Californian experience. Surfboards hanging from the façade underline the location; surfers even get a 10% discount if they turn up with board. The decor is homey rather than stylish, old-fashioned rather than old-school. But prices are good. Like the song says, some guests never leave: there are eight long-stay apartments, with monthly rental from $2,450.

Ambrose

This boutique avoids the stereotypical super-sunny decor prevalent in so many Santa Monica hotels, preferring a cultured mixture of sturdy Craftsman tradition and Asian chic. The latter influence extends to the faintly Asian-inspired garden; however, the stately rooms, some of which come with terraces and fireplaces, are more tangibly American in style. The hotel focuses on environmental friendliness.

Hotels near LAX

La Quinta Inn & Suites LAX

Just off Interstate 405 and only minutes from Los Angeles International Airport with free 24-hour shuttle service, this hotel offers many exceptional amenities, including shuttle service to Manhattan Beach.Guests at the La Quinta Inn and Suites LAX can start each day with a free continental breakfast or with an energizing workout in the on-site fitness center. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool as well as an on-site restaurant and cocktail lounge.Popular area attractions, including Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach are located only minutes from the LAX La Quinta Inn and Suites. The Los Angeles Convention Center, Universal Studios and Beverly Hills are also located near this pet-friendly hotel.

Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles LAX Airport

Positioned near Los Angeles International Airport and a short drive from the city centre, this hotel offers free 24-hour airport shuttles along with an on-site gift shop and modern guest rooms.Begin the day at the Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles LAX Airport with a free breakfast buffet or take advantage of in-room coffeemakers. An outdoor swimming pool is also available on-site.Discover the luxury shops of Rodeo Drive, spend the day at Disneyland or enjoy Venice Beach, all only a short drive from the completely non-smoking LAX Airport Holiday Inn Express. Universal Studios and the Los Angeles Convention Center are also easily accessible.

Hollywood Inn Express LAX

This hotel is just 10 minutes’ drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and highway 405 is within easy reach.Free Wi-Fi, a cable TV, a refrigerator and a work desk are included in all of the comfortable rooms at Hollywood Inn Express LAX. The air conditioned rooms include a hairdryer and ironing facilities.For convenience Express LAX Hollywood Inn offers free guest parking. The hotel also has an on site launderette and 24-hour reception.Dockweiler Beach State Park is 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Shopping, sightseeing and dining opportunities at Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade are 17 minutes’ away.

Travelodge Hotel at LAX

Featuring a free 24-hour airport shuttle, this hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. A free continental breakfast is served daily from 06:00 to 09:00. Venice Beach is 15 minutes' drive away.A flat-screen cable TV and a work desk are included in each room at Travelodge Hotel at LAX. An en suite bathroom with free toiletries and ironing facilities are also provided.A 24-hour Denny's Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge are located at the hotel. The expanded continental breakfast at LAX Travelodge includes waffles, hot sausages and fresh fruit. Additional items include hard boiled eggs, yogurt, sweet rolls, bagels, a selection of breads, milk, juices, coffee and tea.A fitness centre and guest launderette are provided at Travelodge. Complimentary use of the business centre is available. Free parking is offered for guests throughout their stay. Boarding passes can be printed for free.LAX Travelodge Hotel is within 4 miles to Manhattan Beach and Loyola Marymount University, 8 miles to Santa Monica and UCLA and 11 miles from the J. Paul Getty Museum.